Public Invited to Participate in MT FWP’s Planning for the Future

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is looking for public input on values, needs and priorities as part of its ’15 & Forward initiative to plan for the next 10 years. FWP is hosting public listening sessions (in which the public can also provide input) in Bozeman, Butte, and Helena.

FWP’s vision update will "be a foundation on which it builds programs and services that hold the most value for the public and Montana’s fish, wildlife, recreation, cultural, and state park resources in the years ahead." FWP Director Jeff Hagener said, quote,

It has been over 20 years since FWP last took a department-wide look at planning for the future and established its current Vision for the 21st Century. It is time to update this document and set program goals and design services that reflect our current context.

Hagener stressed that public input is critical to the process. “FWP would like to understand if we are meeting your needs, what we can do to serve you better and get your thoughts on where we need to put our focus in the upcoming years.”

FWP is hosting public listening sessions in the following communities in Region 3:

• Helena, July 29, at Montana Wild (2668 Broadwater Ave.) from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Butte, August 3, at Montana Tech (Kelley-Steward Room on the lower level of the Student Union Building) from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Bozeman, August 10, at Region 3 Headquarters (1400 S. 19th Ave.) from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Each listening session will last three hours and refreshments will be provided. The public is encouraged to RSVP by emailing FWP15andForward@mt.gov.

You can also can learn more and provide ideas and input online at fwp.mt.gov by following links to “Submit Public Comments” and “Doing Business.”